Beyoncé Tops PEOPLE's "Most Important People in Music Right Now" List

Beyoncé’ssurprise album has "forever changed the release game" according to People Magazine, who have named her the most important person in music right now.

With a successful world tour under her belt, hit records like "Drunk in Love" and a visual album, it's hard to deny that Mrs. Carter is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Pharrell Williams has even more reason to be "Happy" as he comes in as a close number two on the list. Thanks to mega-hits "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines," an Oscar nomination and his new role as a coach on The Voice, it's safe to say that Pharrell has made his mark in the music world this year as well.

West coast rapper Kendrick Lamar, known for his thoughtful and complex lyrics came in at number five. People wrote that he's "leading the West Coast rap renaissance" and that he “commands such respect that after he lost to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis for the Best Rap Album Grammy, Macklemore texted Lamar: ‘You got robbed. I wanted you to win.’" The success of his first album, Good Kid, M.A.A.D City, also earned him a secure spot in the top five.

The latest issue of People, including the full list of "The 5 Most Important People in Music Right Now" is on stands now.